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Digital Divide in California:

Defining Digital Divide:

Defining Digital Divide The disparity of access to the Internet and digital resources faced by low-income students & families The goal of public education is to give all students the skills and opportunities to be successful NETP recommendations

Progress with Digital Divide in CA:

Progress with Digital Divide in CA CA has implemented some plans that address NETP goals: K-12 high speed network Online course for digital literacy for educators NCLB grants have assisted with hardware and software purchases Internet use is increasing overall, but socio-economic differences are striking ELL families need additional resources

Expand School Access & Hours:

Expand School Access & Hours Schools need to support 24/7 learning Disadvantaged students may not have Internet access at home Expanded access can reduce the disparity and stop summer learning loss Costs are a major concern Community support varies

Provide Broadband for All Residents:

Provide Broadband for All Residents Partnerships can be created between government and industry groups with subsidies to finance the initial infrastructure Each community could create and maintain a system that works locally, with state oversight State can focus on low-income communities

Subsidize ISPs:

Subsidize ISPs Comcast Internet Essentials program poorly advertised and difficult to qualify Requiring other providers to offer this service may create jobs and competition We need additional regulation or incentives to ensure compliance among ISPs Public support may be uncertain given the current economic climate

Information Literacy Courses:

Information Literacy Courses Computers must be used effectively to overcome the digital divide Structured courses could teach marketable skills Partnerships with local business community could prevent a cost burden on libraries or schools Chicago model of free courses Chicago Digital Excellence Initiative

Extend library hours:

Extend library hours Most CA libraries have Internet enabled computers Libraries lost funding in the current fiscal year Increasing library hours would improve access to digital resources, training materials and the Internet

Develop Free Content:

Develop Free Content Increased access to literary content may improve graduation rates Students with literary fluency can gain knowledge of other academic disciplines Free content sites such as www.freetech4teachers.com and www.openlibrary.com require no investment In particular, Microsoft Office training for teachers and students in early years benefits students throughout their K-12 experience

Provide Computers to Individuals:

Provide Computers to Individuals Many low-income students do not have access to computers or digital proficiency We believe the cost of computers would exceed the $50 million allocated. Few would be served. Many charities are working to bridge the technology gap such as Dell or Computers with Causes